BLS International
Company type | Public |
---|---|
Industry | Services |
Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
|
Services | Visa and passport outsourcing, biometric enrolment, e-governance, consular services, travel insurance, mobile biometrics etc. [2] |
Revenue | ₹438.09 crore (US$51 million) (2024)[3] |
Total equity | ₹14,792 crore (US$1.7 billion) (2024)[4] |
Number of employees | 60,000 (2024)[5] |
Website | www |
BLS International is a global outsourcing and technology services provider specializing in visa, passport, consular, and citizen services for governments and diplomatic missions. Headquartered in New Delhi, India.
[6]
[7]
BLS International operates in over 65 countries across five continents. [8][9]
Founded in 2005, the company has grown significantly, leveraging advanced technologies such as biometric systems and artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery. [10][11]
Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India, BLS International adheres to stringent corporate governance practices and has received numerous awards for its excellence in service delivery. [12] [13]
History
2005
BLS International was founded in New Delhi, India, and secured its first visa processing contract from the Portuguese Embassy in Delhi. This initial contract marked the beginning of the company's journey in the visa outsourcing industry, establishing its foundational operations and setting the stage for future expansion. [14][15]
2006-2007
The company expanded its services by commencing operations for the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Greece, and Tunisia in India. These early contracts helped BLS International build a reputation for reliable and efficient visa processing services, attracting more diplomatic missions to its client base. [16]
2008-2010
BLS International extended its services to international locations by starting operations for the Embassy of India in Spain, Kuwait, Sudan, and Russia. This period of growth highlighted the company's capability to manage visa services across diverse geopolitical regions, further solidifying its position in the global market.[17]
2011
The company opened Visa Application Centers (VACs) for the Indian Embassy in the UAE, along with other Indian missions in Southeast Asia. This expansion into the Middle East and Southeast Asia marked a significant milestone, demonstrating BLS International's ability to handle large-scale visa operations in multiple countries.[18]
2012
BLS International commenced operations for the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. These new operations strengthened the company's presence in the Gulf region and Southeast Asia, enabling it to cater to a broader range of applicants and diplomatic missions.[19]
2013
The company initiated visa processing services for multiple European Union countries. This significant expansion into Europe allowed BLS International to diversify its client portfolio and enhance its service offerings, positioning itself as a key player in the European visa outsourcing market. [20]
2014-2015
BLS International added seven Indian missions abroad, including high-volume locations in the United States and Canada. This strategic expansion into North America boosted the company's global presence and enabled it to handle a larger volume of visa applications from major diplomatic missions.[21]
2016
BLS International signed a global visa outsourcing contract worth €175 million with Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC). This contract was a major milestone for the company, significantly increasing its revenue and establishing it as a leading provider of visa outsourcing services in Europe. [22]
Additionally, BLS International was awarded an e-governance project by the Punjab State Government in India to operate and manage 2,147 Seva Kendras, providing 223 citizen-centric services such as issuing birth and death certificates and permits, as defined under the Punjab Right to Services Act, 2011. [23]
2017
The company began providing citizen services to Afghan nationals in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia under a consular service contract with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This expansion marked BLS International's entry into consular services for non-Indian nationals, broadening its service scope and client base. [24][25][26][27]
2018
BLS International launched new value-added services, including travel insurance, mobile biometrics, and courier services. These enhancements improved the applicant experience and expanded the company's range of services, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
2019
The company expanded in the Asia-Pacific region, including operations in Australia, China, and Japan. Additional contracts were secured in Europe and the Middle East, further strengthening BLS International's global presence and enabling it to cater to a diverse array of clients.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BLS International implemented stringent health and safety protocols and introduced contactless solutions for document submission and biometric enrolment. These measures ensured the continuity of services during the global health crisis and highlighted the company's adaptability and commitment to public safety.[28] [29] [30]
2021
The company integrated advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance biometric enrolment and document verification processes. E-governance solutions were expanded to support digital transformation initiatives by governments, further demonstrating BLS International's focus on technological innovation.[31][32][33]
2022-2024
BLS International increased its footprint in Africa and Latin America, securing contracts with additional governments. The company continued to receive awards for service excellence and customer satisfaction, maintaining its reputation as a leader in the visa outsourcing industry. These years marked continued growth and recognition, positioning BLS International for sustained success in the future. [34]
Listing
The company's equity shares are listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MSEI).[35]
Acquisition
On 8 June, BLS agreed to acquire 100% equity shares of ZMPL for an equity consideration of ₹1.2 billion (US$14 million), including an entire stake of 63.94% held by Anurag Gupta (main promoter).[36]
References
- ^ "Board of Directors - BLS International Services Ltd". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "Additional services". https://india.blsspainvisa.com.
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- ^ "BLS International Services Q3 results: Profit rises by 90% to Rs 87 Cr". https://www.business-standard.com.
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- ^ "BLS International Services Ltd". https://www.valueresearchonline.com.
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- ^ "BLS International".
Employees: 60,000
- ^ "Contact Us- BLS International Services Ltd". www.blsinternational.com.
- ^ "BLSIN:Natl India Stock Quote - BLS International Services Ltd". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "Global Presence- BLS International Services Ltd". www.blsinternational.com.
- ^ "Nariman Point centre capable of processing 1,000 visas per day: BLS International". https://www.zeebiz.com.
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- ^ "Biometrics and Identity Management Services". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "BLS Apply at Home service for Spain Schengen visa". https://www.tripadvisor.in.
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- ^ "BLS International Price Target". https://economictimes.indiatimes.com.
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- ^ "BLSIN:Natl India Stock Quote - BLS International Services Ltd". https://www.business-standard.com.
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- ^ "Travel News - 'Our endeavour is to work with multiple governments in different geographies' | TravelBiz Monitor". www.travelbizmonitor.com. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS International Foundation Year".
- ^ "Evolution of BLS International". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "Evolution of BLS International". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "Evolution of BLS International". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "Evolution of BLS International". https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "Another EU Country Outsorces Visa Services to BLS International". https://schengen.news. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
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- ^ "Authorized BLS Centers". https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in.
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- ^ "BLS International wins €175 million contract". @businessline. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS International to open over 2,000 centres in Punjab". The Financial Express. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS International wins five Gulf country contract for Islamic Republic of Afghanistan". amedia.co.in. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "Indian company will provide citizen services in Afghanistan - The Sunday Guardian Live". The Sunday Guardian Live. 11 November 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS International inks pact with embassy of Afghanistan". India Today. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS Intl bags USD 5 mn order from Afghan Embassy". India Today. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "FAQs : Covid-19". https://uk.blsspainvisa.com.
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- ^ "BLS COVID-19 Questions and Answers". https://www.bls.gov/covid19.
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- ^ "BLS International expects high visa demand after resumption of international flights". https://economictimes.indiatimes.com.
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- ^ "BLS International expects high visa demand after resumption of international flights" (PDF). https://www.blsinternational.com.
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- ^ "BLS International expects high visa demand after resumption of international flights". https://www.techcircle.in/.
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- ^ "BLS International expects high visa demand after resumption of international flights". https://www.sciencedirect.com.
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- ^ "BLS International expects high visa demand after resumption of international flights". https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com.
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- ^ indiainfoline.com. "Listing of Equity Shares of BLS International Services Limited". Retrieved 3 July 2018.
- ^ "BLS International acquires Zero Mass for Rs 120 crore". Moneycontrol. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.